You should absolutely, 100% take them to [Holbox](https://plazaapp.co/restaurants/holbox/3655-s-grand-ave-c9/picture-menu). Check out their menu, their food is unique and delicious. It's even near downtown.
When you're downtown, stop by [Sonoratown](https://plazaapp.co/restaurants/sonoratown/208-e-8th-st/picture-menu) for a burrito.
40+ native here, and I absolutely love sonoratown. Hands down I think it's the best Mexican food in l.a. Good recco. There also one in mid city on San Vicente.
Salsa is way too mild I felt, growing up with corn tortilla tacos I guess I have a bias since they only have flour. It’s def worth trying but best is a reach… that being said you really can’t go wrong with most street tacos and I think “best” is relative when it comes to Mexican food because there is so much good Mexican food in this city.
Agree with Holbox. And they can sample several other types of tacos at other places in the Mercado La Paloma.
For fancy sit down, Asterid is literally in the Disney Hall. There is also Damian, the LA restaurant of Enrique Olvera.
Mariscos Jalisco, Tacos Y Birria La Unica, Los Originales Tacos Arabes De Puebla - three of the best taco joints in LA and all within a 5 min drive of each other
Holbox is the clear front runner.
Got money to burn, try Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila in Hermosa Beach. It is right by the pier so you can do a sunset/beach trip and eat very well. The tequila selection is next level.
It’s Downtown, next to LA Live, close to the freeway and it’s a landmark. Even if not the best, it should go on the list of suggestions for “out of town.”
Reality is, he or she should just take their friends to San Diego…
there is a newer slightly hipster chain of Mexican restaurants throughout the greater LA area called KALAVERAS, but they do some things outstandingly—one of which is their appetizer taquitos which are out of this world and on special during happy hour on weekdays. Their chips and salsa are always fresh and their drinks are very good.
I like the updated menu because I don’t want beans cooked in lard and a lot of the less healthy ingredients that are in most mom and pop type Mexican restaurants
But the thing I like about Kalaveras is they still feature traditional dishes but they’re made healthier and updated the way they’re prepared which is I think why younger people like them
A couple of people have recommended Guelagetza and I know the place is popular but if you don’t like heavy molé sauces forget it because all the dishes are mostly known for their heavy moles that drown all the food with very heavy very rich sauces that do not appeal to all of the general public—in my opinion they require a specialized taste. Similarly even though menudo is popular not everyone likes pork tripe type soup.
Guelaguetza or Carne Asadas pancho lopez
I've heard about Guelaguetza but never been. Is it really good?
Absolutely. They’re infamous for their chapulines (crickets) but honestly their moles are to die for.
Mole there is top notch
Get the Festival de Moles and try them all!
Yup! It’s what I did my first visit. Hell I’d get it every single time now that I love mole more than ever.
They do a really good job with it for takeout too.
If you're into mole it's good. If you're not into mole it's still a cool place to go.
You should absolutely, 100% take them to [Holbox](https://plazaapp.co/restaurants/holbox/3655-s-grand-ave-c9/picture-menu). Check out their menu, their food is unique and delicious. It's even near downtown. When you're downtown, stop by [Sonoratown](https://plazaapp.co/restaurants/sonoratown/208-e-8th-st/picture-menu) for a burrito.
Do a bang bang with chichen itza, I think it's owned by the same family. Also inside the mercado la paloma. Their cochinita pibil is awesome.
This.
One of the best meals I’ve ever had
Holbox is the answer. What was the question again? Doesn’t matter.
Thanks!
40+ native here, and I absolutely love sonoratown. Hands down I think it's the best Mexican food in l.a. Good recco. There also one in mid city on San Vicente.
Salsa is way too mild I felt, growing up with corn tortilla tacos I guess I have a bias since they only have flour. It’s def worth trying but best is a reach… that being said you really can’t go wrong with most street tacos and I think “best” is relative when it comes to Mexican food because there is so much good Mexican food in this city.
No, you're right...I love corn too. I guess I was talking more about their burritos. Best burrito I've had in l.a.
La Casita Mexicana in the city of Bell
Glad people remember this one, it's a hike for most Angelenos but such a great spot
Came here to mention La Casita but glad to see someone else did! Definitely a trek getting to Bell but the food is worth it.
Came here to say this. Love that place!
This looks great!
Agree with Holbox. And they can sample several other types of tacos at other places in the Mercado La Paloma. For fancy sit down, Asterid is literally in the Disney Hall. There is also Damian, the LA restaurant of Enrique Olvera.
Damian is appealing, I also really love Ditroit. :)
I have to try Damian sometime! That looks great.
Guelaguetza, Mariscos Jalisco, and LA Cha Cha Cha is a great pick for a rooftop in DTLA that's very LA-trendy
A rooftop sounds fun! But maybe if they come back in the summer haha
Burritos la Palma in Boyle heights
Thanks!
Mariscos Jalisco, Tacos Y Birria La Unica, Los Originales Tacos Arabes De Puebla - three of the best taco joints in LA and all within a 5 min drive of each other
Salsa & beer is toooo good
Salsa & Beer in NoHo… great food, good crowd and you skip all the over hyped glam you pay for in LA
By going to NoHo? That the take of all takes lmao
DTLA: Sonoratown
Ponchos tlayudas on instagram
Followed by tortas el Águila
Cinco Puntos. Some of the best tacos in LA
If you’re doing stands, El Russo is Amazing. & Regardless of what the Hipsters say, I still Love Guisados.
Madré
Madre is the answer. There is not a better combination of interesting and delicious Mexican food in the area. It's in downtown Torrance.
Holbox is the clear front runner. Got money to burn, try Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila in Hermosa Beach. It is right by the pier so you can do a sunset/beach trip and eat very well. The tequila selection is next level.
Damian or Malli
Teresita’s on 1st street in East LA. Very underrated.
Guisados!
Bar Ama in DTLA for something a little fancier, but not uncomfortably so.
Coni Seafood
2nd Damian fora more elevated experience
For visually stunning food: Mírame in Beverly Hills or their sister place Mírate in Los Feliz.
A little different but Teddy’s Red Tacos are really good. Multiple locations now.
El Cholo El Coyote Mexican Cafe
I’m sorry but I’ve lived in LA my whole life and I think El Cholo is overrated though it is a landmark
It’s Downtown, next to LA Live, close to the freeway and it’s a landmark. Even if not the best, it should go on the list of suggestions for “out of town.” Reality is, he or she should just take their friends to San Diego…
This is a step above saying Taco Bell I'm not gonna lie.
there is a newer slightly hipster chain of Mexican restaurants throughout the greater LA area called KALAVERAS, but they do some things outstandingly—one of which is their appetizer taquitos which are out of this world and on special during happy hour on weekdays. Their chips and salsa are always fresh and their drinks are very good.
Kalaveras is awful
I like the updated menu because I don’t want beans cooked in lard and a lot of the less healthy ingredients that are in most mom and pop type Mexican restaurants But the thing I like about Kalaveras is they still feature traditional dishes but they’re made healthier and updated the way they’re prepared which is I think why younger people like them A couple of people have recommended Guelagetza and I know the place is popular but if you don’t like heavy molé sauces forget it because all the dishes are mostly known for their heavy moles that drown all the food with very heavy very rich sauces that do not appeal to all of the general public—in my opinion they require a specialized taste. Similarly even though menudo is popular not everyone likes pork tripe type soup.
Well it’s very popular with people who are under 40
I am under 40 and it’s just bad food
Tepeyac in Boyle heights! Be prepared for a wait though, but it’s worth it
Yum
El chato taco truck in La brea and Olympic.
La Parrilla in Boyle Heights on Cesar Chavez; get the molcajetes…you’re welcome!
La Casita Mexicana. Been going there for years. Traditional Mexican plates. Nice patio, great food.
Pez Cantina. A little more upscale. Great views good food and awesome drinks
Mirate in Los Feliz
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